In vitro organogenesis and transgenosis aspects in globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.).

The genetic transformation of globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) cells is possible. However, the percentage of transformed cells is still low and the regeneration process appeared to be the critical step towards the obtention of transgenic plants. The present work reports the organogenesis potentialities from new vegetal materials: cotyledons and leaves from in vitro artichoke plants. The results showed that cotyledons gave better rates of neoformation than leaves and this was reached in a shorter time. Regarding the transfer of genetic resistance to globe artichoke, a model system was developed using Nicotiana benthamiana as systemic host for artichoke viral diseases. Mutagenized sequences of the replicase gene of artichoke motteled crinckle virus (AMCV) as transferable genetic material for resistance induction were performed. Transgenic lines of Nicotiana benthamiana were obtained and some of them presented a considerable attenuation of symptoms when challenged with AMCV.